Picture courtesy of the Bishop’s Office St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese with Bishop Joanne pictured along with students, Chaplain Josh and teacher Amie Lloyd.
Suffolk teenagers were thrilled to visit the House of Lords with the county’s Bishop, when she invited A-level politics students to join her as she took her place in Parliament on Thurs 5 February.
Dr Joanne Grenfell, who was officially welcomed and enthroned recently in front of about 800 people at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds, has now also officially entered the House of Lords as a member of those representing the Church.
She had a limited guest number and used the opportunity to invite three A-level students studying politics at Felixstowe School to join her, along with her family and others.
Her position in the House of Lords enables Bishop Joanne to campaign on Suffolk issues and represent county communities.
Among the early commitments she has made has been a promise to those in the local farming and fisheries communities that she will hear and represent their personal concerns.
She also has longstanding interests in social inclusion, education, safeguarding, and criminal justice.
The House of Lords has about 800 members drawing upon all walks of life and they play a crucial role in examining bills, questioning Government action and investigating public policy.
There are only 26 bishops in the House of Lords. They sit as independent members and they also lead prayers at the start of each sitting day.
Bishop Joanne said: ‘I want to champion the cause of interests that are closest to the hearts of those in our communities in Suffolk.
The House of Lords gives me a platform to reach out and advise other members about what matters most in our county. Among my priorities is supporting young people, and young people are our future. I was delighted to be accompanied by students and benefit from their insights about issues that matter to them in our beautiful county.’
Bishop Joanne’s introduction was supported by the Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Revd Debbie Sellin, and the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, was also introduced to the House of Lords in her new role as leader of the Church of England nationally at the same time.
During her introduction, Bishop Joanne was watched by her invited guests from the Lords Viewing Gallery. They included Ethan Moffet, Grace Foley and Fynnley Read from Felixstowe School.
Bishop Joanne’s guests also included her husband James and children Samuel, Imogen and Aidan, and colleagues from the Church of England in Suffolk.
Dr Joshua Hunt, Chaplain to Felixstowe School, said: ‘Felixstowe School were delighted to be invited to attend the House of Lords to witness the induction of Bishop Joanne - what a memorable occasion for our chaplain and students. Bishop Joanne's enthusiasm to include local young people in this important moment speaks to the desire for a Church which is actively growing younger and putting children and young people at the centre. Our Sixth Form students have thoroughly enjoyed this unique opportunity.’
The guests enjoyed lunch in the House of Lords, followed by a tour of the Houses of Parliament.
In December Bishop Joanne paid homage to King Charles III in a private ceremony in Buckingham Palace as part of her new appointment.
She was Bishop of Stepney, an area bishop in the Diocese of London, before moving to Suffolk. She is also the lead bishop for safeguarding and chair of the National Safeguarding Steering Group in the Church of England. During her Church career she has served in city, town, and rural areas.
As bishop, she plays a crucial role in spiritual leadership, safeguarding, community engagement and administrative oversight in the Diocese.